While the latest X3D chips might be all the hype, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the 5800X3D is still one of the best gaming CPUs out there and capable of handling modern heavy-hitting GPUs. That said, picking one option to pair with this CPU is easier said than done, as there are many options from both Nvidia and AMD, and third-party variants are on top of that. So, it’s understandable if the process seems challenging and confusing, but that is where we come in.
We took the liberty of doing the research for you and put together this in-depth guide. We listed several GPUs we’ve tested, along with their details and pros and cons, so that you can make an informed decision.
- Best GPU for 5800X3D overall
Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super Windforce V2
- Best performance GPU for 5800X3D
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC
- GPU: AD102
- CUDA cores: 16,384
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory bus: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/sec
- Base clock: 2235 MHz
- Best AMD GPU for 5800X3D
ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 7900 XTX OC
- GPU: Navi 31
- Stream Processors: 6,144
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Memory bus width: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 960 GB/s
- Base clock speed: 1,929 MHz
- Best budget GPU for 5800X3D
Sapphire Radeon Pulse RX 7700 XT
- GPU: Navi 32
- Stream Processors: 3,456
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth: 432 GB/sec
- Memory bus width: 192-bit
- Base clock speed: 1,435 MHz
How we picked
We researched the market and found various options from Nvidia and AMD. We filtered those options based on their price, compatibility, performance, and other features, such as DLSS and FSR. On top of that, we also conduct rigorous in-house testing of the cards. This gives us insight into how they’ll perform, and we can help you pair them with various CPUs, including the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. We’re always updating our list with the latest information, so if there are better pairings than these, we’ll be sure to update them, so check back with us.
Our top picks
- GPU: AD103
- CUDA Cores: 10,240
- VRAM: 16GB GDDR6X
- Bandwidth: 736.3 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 256-bit
- Base clock speed: 2295 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2550 MHz
- Has better performance and costs less than the RTX 4080
- Excellent 4K performance
- Great for content creators and professionals alike
- It still has a price tag of over $1000
- Requires a powerful PSU
- Requires a large PC case to house it
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D was formerly known as the best gaming CPU, meaning it could handle any GPU you could afford. It’s still a viable option nowadays, and we recommend pairing it with the RTX 4080 Super for a powerful combination.
In our RTX 4080 Super review it made quick work of anything we put in front of it. In Cyberpunk 2077, it managed to deliver 125 and 51 FPS at 1440p and 4K, respectively, and these tests were done natively. So, leveraging the capabilities of DLSS can take these results even higher. On the other hand, in competitive titles like The Finals, 182 and 95 FPS were churned out for the same resolutions, but Ray Tracing was enabled. This should give you an idea about how powerful this GPU is.
These results shouldn’t be surprising when you look at the specifications. It features 10,240 CUDA cores, a base clock of 2.29 GHz, a base clock of 2.55 GHz, and 121 TFLOPS of Ray Tracing cores. Comparatively, it has 512 more CUDA cores and eight additional TFLOPS of RT cores. This means that it should have a better performance than the RTX 4080, and if you’re interested in learning more about the difference, we’ve covered that in our RTX 4080 Super vs 4080 guide.
The RTX 4080 Super confidently replaces any reason to ever go out and buy the base RTX 4080.
PCWer
That said, our test unit, the Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super Windforce V2, did have a larger footprint with dimensions of 11.9” x L, 4.4” x W, and 2.3” x H (302mm x 111mm x 58mm). This means it’s almost as long as the RTX 4090 and will need a spacious casing to house it comfortably. We recommend opting for the best full tower case as it will also ensure efficient airflow to keep it running cool.
Gigabyte included an anti-sag bracket to counter its large size and weight, which made things more convenient as we didn’t have to get a new one.
The RTX 4080 Super also boasts 16GB of GDDR6X VRAM with a 256-bit memory interface. This means you can max out your in-game settings without worrying about running out of memory. The 256-bit interface should also ensure seamless data transfer to and from the GPU for processing without bottleneck issues.
According to Nvidia, this GPU’s average power draw is 320W, which is on the higher side but makes sense given the hardware it packs. This means that it will most likely also have a higher thermal output, but our unit came with a large copper backplate and heat pipes to disperse the heat efficiently. However, to ensure your system and the GPU get the right amount of power to function, we recommend using the best PSU for RTX 4080 Super.
Overall, there isn’t much that can bother this GPU, and according to our tests, it has top-notch performance for tasks of all nature, making it a worthwhile investment.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this GPU has great performance as it delivers what it advertises and has a good thermal design. One reviewer stated: “The Gigabyte 4080 super doesn’t disappoint!” followed by, “The performance of this card meets expectations.”
- GPU: AD102
- CUDA cores: 16,384
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory bus: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/sec
- Base clock: 2235 MHz
- Boost clock: 2610 MHz
- Excellent gaming and synthetic performance
- 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM
- Should last you a while and make for a good investment
- It comes at a premium price point
- It’s not power-efficient and has a TDP of 450W
- It tends to run hot
For one of the best gaming chips out there, it would only make sense to pair it with the best GPU available right now, the RTX 4090. This GPU is at the top of the performance hierarchy, and in our RTX 4090 review, it proved to be a beast at anything you can throw at it.
We tested this GPU in various demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Microsoft Flight Simulator, and it blew through them with little to no difficulty. In Cyberpunk 2077, it had 168, 135, and 74 FPS at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K with Ultra settings.
However, when we enabled Ray Tracing, its 4K performance dropped to 43 FPS, but DLSS 3 came in clutch and raised the framerates to a whopping 133 FPS. This shows the GPU’s raw and AI capabilities and showcases why it is currently the most powerful card in the market.
The same results were seen in the synthetic benchmarks, like in 3DMark, where it managed 228 FPS with DLSS 2 turned on. What this means is that whether you’re an enthusiast gamer or a professional, this GPU should serve well in both scenarios, and it is capable of handling rendering, content creation, machine learning, and more.
The FE RTX 4090 has 16,384 CUDA cores, a base clock of 2.23 GHz, and a boost clock of 2.52 GHz. The test unit that we got was the ASUS ROG Strix variant, which was overclocked to have a 2,610 MHz boost clock, which can be increased to 2,640 MHz with the OC mode. So, it already has impressive specifications, but the factory overclock means better performance across the board.
Whether you want the highest amount of frames possible or want to push ray tracing to the limits, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 impresses without compromise.
PCWer
It doesn’t end there. It also features 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM with a 384-bit memory interface. What this means is that you won’t have to worry about games consuming too much memory, and every game should already be at the max settings with this GPU in your corner.
According to Nvidia, this GPU has an average gaming power of 450W, and an 850W PSU is recommended to power it. However, ASUS recommends a 1000W PSU for the ROG variant, which aligns with its overclocked nature and performance. That said, its thermal output should also be significant, and we recommend using powerful 140mm case fans, a well-ventilated casing, and the best PSU for the RTX 4090.
Regarding its size, it has a length of 375.6mm, a width of 149.4mm, and a height of 70.1mm (14.7” x 5.8” x 2.7”). This makes it the largest card out there, even bigger than the Nvidia’s Founders Edition card. So, to ensure the PCIe slot doesn’t give way under the weight, we recommend using a GPU support bracket to counter GPU sag and promote even weight distribution.
Everything said and done, there are little downsides to having this GPU in your corner, such as its price and thermal output, and a whole lot of positives. So, if you want to experience the best gaming performance, this pairing shouldn’t exceed your expectations.
What users say
The users love this graphics card, and its Amazon reviews are filled with praise for its incredible performance. One reviewer said: “The GeForce RTX® 4090 OC Edition boasts an incredible level of performance that pushes the boundaries of gaming realism.” On the other hand it wasn’t surprising to find many reviewers claiming that it runs hot and the fans can get noisy under load.
- GPU: Navi 31
- Stream Processors: 6,144
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Memory bus width: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 960 GB/s
- Base clock speed: 1,929 MHz
- Boost clock (OC mode): 2,615 MHz
- 24GB of GDDR6 VRAM
- Excellent 1440p and 4K native performance
- Headroom for better results with FSR3
- The Ray Tracing results aren’t as great as Nvidia’s cards
- It still comes with a hefty price tag
Now, we’re moving into the domain of Team Red, and we’ve got their 7000 series flagship GPU, the RX 7900 XTX. This is the only GPU from AMD that comes close to the RTX 4090, and in our RX 7900 XTX review, it had a stellar performance in our gaming and real-world benchmarks.
We tested its gaming prowess natively in various titles. In Cyberpunk 2077, it had 70 FPS at 4K and 137 FPS at 1440p. In less demanding titles like Counter-Strike, it delivered an impressive 389 FPS at 4K and a jaw-dropping 609 FPS at 1440p. Keep in mind that these results do not factor in AI upscaling technologies like FSR, so you can expect even better performance with that enabled.
As for its real-world performance, it had an excellent score in Fire Strike tests and Port Royal, which is to gauge the Ray Tracing capabilities of the GPU. While its Ray Tracing is not quite at the level of the 4090, we need to remember that this GPU doesn’t cost almost $2,000, so some performance differences are bound to be evident. That said, this is an excellent card if you want to spend less but still want a top-notch 4K gaming experience.
Our ASUS TUF RX 7900 XTX is a bit larger than its original model with dimensions of 13.9” x L, 6.23” x W, and 2.86” x H (353mm x 158mm x 71mm). This means it doesn’t have a small form factor, and you’ll need to check whether your PC case has enough space to hold it comfortably. If not, we recommend upgrading your casing to a larger one to ensure the components don’t get cramped, as that can lead to overheating issues.
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a stellar graphics card for 4K gaming with enough under the hood to achieve high frame rates natively.
PCWer
According to AMD, this card has a typical board power of 355W, and they recommend using an 800W PSU with it. However, our ASUS TUF 7900 XTX came overclocked from the factory with a game clock of 2395 MHz and a boost clock of 2565. For reference, the base card has a game and boost clock of 2300 and 2500 MHz. That said, the ASUS card has an OC mode, which further increases these frequencies to a 2455 MHz game clock and a 2615 MHz boost clock.
What this means is it can push its 6144 stream processes even harder due to the increased frequencies and deliver better results across the board. And to make sure this graphics card and other components get the right amount of power, we recommend using the best PSU for RX 7900 XTX.
Overall, given its performance and price point, it’s an amazing GPU if you’re interested in 4K gaming and other professional tasks. While it can’t exactly match the performance of its competitor’s top card, it won’t set you back by almost $2,000 as well.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, it’s being praised for its excellent performance and value. One reviewer said: “It offers remarkable 1440p and 4K performance with blazing fast frame rates with room to spare.” Another user said: “This is a great card at a fraction of the price from its competition.”
- GPU: Navi 32
- Stream Processors: 3,456
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth: 432 GB/sec
- Memory bus width: 192-bit
- Base clock speed: 1,435 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2,544 MHz
- It comes with a very reasonable price tag
- Excellent 1440p performance
- Capable of pushing 4K in some titles
- Ray Tracing’s performance is lacking
- Not the best 4K results
- The RX 7800 XT only costs a bit more and offers better performance
For our last pick, we went with the RX 7700 XT from AMD as we wanted to provide an option for people operating on a budget and wanted to move away from $1000+ gaming beasts. In our RX 7700 XT review, it had great 1440p and 4K performance despite being a mid-range GPU.
In AC Valhalla at ultra settings, it delivered 102 and 59 FPS at 1440p and 4K, respectively. On the other hand, more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 had 79 and 36 FPS in the same resolutions. So, while it can push 4K, the optimization of the titles is a massive factor, but you can always use FSR to boost the framerates.
Doom Eternal, a well-optimized title, had excellent results with 170, 128, and 63 FPS at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K with Ray Tracing enabled.
The RX 7700 XT features 3456 stream processors, which are the same as Nvidia’s CUDA cores, a game clock of 2171 MHz, a boost clock of 2544 Mhz. On top of that, it has 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM with a 192-bit memory interface. What these specifications mean is that it should be able to handle games at various resolutions and deliver similar results in real-world scenarios, which is exactly what we experienced during our testing.
The AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT is a solid graphics card overall with its respectable memory pool, strong gaming performance, and a competitive price point.
PCWer
Regarding its size, it has dimensions of 11” x H, 5” x W, and 2” x H (279mm x 127mm x 50mm). What this means is that it isn’t as large as some guides on this list but it would still be ideal to check the space inside your casing to avoid any installation issues.
According to AMD, it has a TDP of 245W seems relatively low but these cards generally run hot and we recommend using the best thermal paste and installing the case fans in the right orientation to promote efficient cross flow and heat dissipation.
It also leverages technologies like AMD Smart Memory Access which gives the processors full access to the GPU, resulting in enhanced performance as some barriers are reduced from the equation.
Overall, this is an excellent GPU to pair with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D; it costs less than $500 and is capable of pushing 4K in some titles, which sounds like a win-win situation.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, it has excellent 1440p performance and runs quietly. One reviewer said: “This card has worked beautifully for everything I’ve tried. It won’t run 4k games fast, but 1080p and 1440p usually work quite well.”
How to select the best GPU for Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Selecting a GPU for any processor sounds like a simple task, but a handful of factors come into play and ones you need to consider before making a decision. Spending your money on the most decked-out options isn’t wise, as unless you have an enthusiast build, you won’t need all that firepower. So, to help you make an informed decision, we’ve listed some of the factors below.
Budget
When it comes to building a PC, we want everything with the latest bells and whistles, but those components cost an arm and a leg. So, to ensure you don’t overspend on a GPU, you won’t need to. It’s better to cut through the options with your budget in mind.
This should give you a list of GPUs that you can afford. Then, it’s just a matter of picking the one that offers the best performance and value.
Thermal output
The 5800X3D is a powerful gaming processor that can handle almost any GPU of today, and that means while you’ll get good gaming results, the more powerful the GPU is, the more power it needs and the higher its thermal output is.
While considering this, it’s also crucial that you factor in the ambient temperature and your casing because these aspects will also impact the GPU’s running temperature. For example, if your casing is cluttered, the fans aren’t installed with the right orientation, or you’re located in a hot region, the base temperature of the components will be high. So, ensure you have enough space in your PC case for the GPU and adequate cross ventilation.
Performance
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a great gaming CPU, but its professional prowess isn’t at the same level as AMD’s “X” CPUs. So, if you’re building a PC for content creation or other professional tasks, you might not get the best results regardless of which GPU you pair it with.
On the other hand, this CPU shouldn’t disappoint when paired with any GPU if you want the best gaming experience across various resolutions, whether it’s 4K single-player games or action-packed competitive shooters. However, for 4K gaming, we recommend options like the RX 7900 XT as they performed excellently during our in-house testing.
